The daily routine of nurses in long term care units is characterized by a variety of physical and psychological burdens. This study is dedicated to work load, burnout, health and coping of this target group. Registered nurses were surveyed in two federal states of Austria, namely in Vienna (n = 78) and Carinthia (n = 59). The individuals of the, on average, older Viennese sample who often feel destined for this occupation face younger colleagues from rural areas whose motivations are predominantly pro-social and economic. The results show an alarming proportion of emotional exhaustion (23%) and aversion to residents (17%). The participants felt particularly burdened by work conditions and the old people they are caring for. Carinthian nurses estimated their state of health to be better than that of their Viennese colleagues. The Viennese sample was found to be significantly more discontent than the Carinthian one. The study underlines the high risk of burnout for nurses in long term care units.